The Maha Kumbh Mela, an integral part of Indian tradition, is renowned globally as the largest peaceful congregation of people. The festival is a testament to the human quest for divine and spiritual liberation, representing the belief in freedom from the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. This gathering allows millions of devotees to immerse themselves in the holy waters of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mystical Saraswati, symbolizing a purification of the soul and, as believed, a path to attaining Moksha or liberation.
The Maha Kumbh Mela is steeped in mythological and historical significance. As per Hindu mythology, the Kumbh Mela originated from the divine ‘Samudra Manthan’ or churning of the ocean, where the gods and demons fought for a pot (Kumbh) of the nectar of immortality (Amrit). As Lord Vishnu flew away with the pot, a few drops of the nectar fell in four places on earth, which are now known as Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik – the sites of the Kumbh Mela.
Each location’s mela is based on the position of Jupiter (Brihaspati) and the sun, and the zodiac sign in which Jupiter resides at the time. The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, is the largest and considered the most auspicious one.
Prayagraj, previously known as Allahabad, holds a special place in Hinduism. Its significance stems from its geographical and spiritual attributes. The city is situated at the confluence (Triveni Sangam) of three sacred rivers – the Ganges, Yamuna, and the invisible or mythical Saraswati. This confluence is believed to be a portal to heaven and hence considered extremely auspicious.
The Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj attracts millions of devotees from across the globe who come to bathe in the holy waters during the auspicious bathing dates. They believe that a dip in the sacred waters during the Kumbh Mela absolves them of their sins and helps them attain salvation. The Shahi Snan or Royal Bathing day is the most significant event of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
In the context of the Maha Kumbh Mela , “Shahi Snan” refers to the “royal bath. It signifies the ritualistic bathing of the holy men and the devotees in the sacred waters of the river. The Shahi Snan holds immense significance as it is believed to cleanse one’s soul of all past sins and pave the way towards Moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
It is called a ‘royal’ bathbecause, on this day, the procession of the holy men belonging to various Akharas (religious orders) to the bathing ghats is no less than a royal parade. It’s a spectacle filled with grandeur and fervor, with the air resounding with chants and the sight of resplendent palanquins, flower-decked chariots, and musical bands.
The Shahi Snan ritual begins with the Naga Sadhus of the various Akharas taking the holy dip in the sacred river. These Sadhus, or holy men, are ascetics who have renounced all worldly possessions and live in the Himalayas. The Shahi Snan is marked by these Naga Sadhus’ grand processions, their bodies smeared in ashes, wearing only Rudraksha beads, and carrying Trishuls (tridents).
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